ASU Spring Science Days Coming in February

February 01, 2010

Hundreds of local fourth graders will get an up-close look at some of the wonders of science during Angelo State University’s Science Days events Feb. 16, 18 and 25 in the Cavness Science Building on the ASU campus.

San Angelo Independent School District (SAISD) students from Lamar and Bonham elementary schools along with Junction ISD students will attend on Feb. 16. SAISD students from Bradford and Goliad elementaries will attend on Feb. 18 while SAISD students from San Jacinto, Fannin and Austin elementaries will attend on Feb. 25. The Cavness Science Building is located at 2460 Dena Drive.

During Science Days, students will see specimens from the Biology Department’s Natural History Collections, showing the variety of wildlife found in the Concho Valley. They will also learn about geology and participate in several hands-on science demonstrations and some interesting math activities. Following lunch on the lawn, the grand finale of the program will be a chemistry and physics magic show. The different activities are conducted by ASU faculty, staff and students from the Chemistry and Biochemistry, Physics, Biology and Mathematics Departments.

The Science Days program is intended to provide elementary students with the opportunity to experience science in an educational setting and to interest them in science at an early age. Studies show that once students reach the upper elementary grades, it is much harder to stimulate their interest in the sciences.

Dr. Nick Flynn, associate professor of biochemistry, organizes the Science Days program. Prior to Science Days, he also provides teachers with materials to share with their students to help enhance their understanding and enjoyment of the activities.